Bullets aim to narrow gap with leaders Nomads
FCB Nyasa Bullets will be out to narrow the gap with rivals and TNM Super League leaders Mighty Mukuru Wanderers to just a point when they face Ekwendeni Hammers this afternoon at Rumphi Stadium.
The reigning champions, who have 43 points from 20 matches, trail the Nomads by four points, but the Lali Lubani Road outfit has played four games more.
Bullets face Hammers fresh from their FDH Bank Cup triumph in which they thumped Mafco FC 3-0 in the final on Sunday before beating Civil Service United 2-0 in an Airtel Top 8 quarter-final first leg, three days later.
However, Bullets coach Kallisto Pasuwa warned his charges not to be complacent.
The Bullets gaffer also dwelt at length on the crammed fixtures, saying they continue to take a toll on his charges physically, leading to fatigue and injuries.
Said the Zimbabwean tactician: “My players should anticipate very difficult games in the North. The games are coming thick and thin and it’s getting really tough.
“We have been travelling a lot and these days we are no longer doing our normal training sessions as we are focusing on recovery.”
When the two teams met in the first round, Bullets easily swept aside the Hammmers 4-1 at their Kamuzu Stadium fortress.
Ekwendeni Hammers, who are 13th with 29 points from 25 matches, have not won a league match in their past four games, in which they have lost three and drawn once.
The last time they won was on September 13, when they beat table-anchors Extreme FC 1-0.
But Hammers coach Elias Chirambo said buoyed by home support, they will give it their best shot this afternoon.
“We are determined to get a good result tomorrow. We are at home and that gives us extra confidence,” he said.
The coach said he has advised his charges not to fear names.
In the likes of Hassan Kajoke, Patrick Mwaungulu, Lanjesi Nkhoma and Anthony Mfune, Bullets have a lot of arsenal in their quest for a double while Hammers can count on Emmanuel Edeyemi and Blessings Singini.
In other games, it will be a battle of rookies when Extreme FC host Bangwe All Stars at Nankhaka while Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar take on Moyale Barracks at Dedza Stadium.
